This is a magnificent score, and I would definitely buy a rerelease, even if I think the original album was more or less a perfect representation of Silvestri's work. Having watched the film quite recently, I listened to hear if there was a lot missing from the Varese album, and there really wasn't. Maybe some extra ambient synth stuff, but there's enough of that already on the original release. The extra music during the Sub Battle sounds like the existing cue just slowed down in the editing room. Maybe they'll include the synth score cues some other composer did for the Special Edition, but those aren't really anywhere near the quality of Silvestri's work.

This is a magnificent score, and I would definitely buy a rerelease, even if I think the original album was more or less a perfect representation of Silvestri's work. Having watched the film quite recently, I listened to hear if there was a lot missing from the Varese album, and there really wasn't. Maybe some extra ambient synth stuff, but there's enough of that already on the original release. The extra music during the Sub Battle sounds like the existing cue just slowed down in the editing room. Maybe they'll include the synth score cues some other composer did for the Special Edition, but those aren't really anywhere near the quality of Silvestri's work.

That is exactly my thought as well.

THE ABYSS is not only one of my favourite films, it's also one of my alltime favourite scores that made me interested in film music in the first place. I think the original album is a perfect mix of the ambient and/or militaristic stuff on one hand and then the glorious 'requiem'-type music on the other. I can neither remember that much interesting music left off the album, nor how it would benefit it as a listening experience.

Everyone should be blessed to watch it at least once in a real 70 mm big screening room. I was, and really enjoyed it, except for the ending, which I am not sure Cameron really knew what to do with. Really terrific actors here too, Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth - not gonna try to spell that last name.

I think it might be Cameron's most enjoyable picture overall, least preach and contrived and most interesting. Silvestri score has a transparent light quality to it that is very nice.

Nope, the original is still in print. It might be in print but its also sold out. That mention on that site could just mean more of the old CDs are on the way.

if that's the case, Varese just needs to hand that title off to someone else. That is a total middle finger to those who have wanted a complete version of that score.

You know, sometimes there are many complicated reasons (legal, financial, tape elements) why an expanded release of a score is not feasible and it doesn't always translate to a personal "f*ck you" meant exclusively for fans. If that's the way you always react when you don't get what you want, then you will go through life being a very angry person.

That being said, if this is a reissue of "The Abyss" scheduled for release soon, then an upgrade in its sound quality would be great.

I don't get it. The D2 mastering website has potentially blown a secret -- that "The Abyss" is being redone for CD. Jason LeBlanc informs us that Varèse owns this score in perpetuity. And in a few short days, these two fragments of information somehow bring us to the conclusion that Varèse doesn't want our money, and is giving fans the middle finger.

Wow! I must agree with Schiffy. Now everybody seems to be assuming it is a rerelease/reprint of the old album and complaining before any actual fact is known.

I think that after Varese expanded Die Hard 2 (which sold out its 3000 copies quickly) there's a good chance they will be expanding more of those late 80's early 90's titles they own in perpetuity like The Abyss.

In August MV mentioned on a thread related to the future of the CD Club that if the rumors turned out to be true [the lack of releases from the Club] could be the calm before the storm...

I'm really expecting Varese will come back with the Club with a bang (and The Abyss would be a great release for such Club comeback or other titles like Outbreak, Robocop 3...)

>>>>>>and for Titanic Cameron wanted someone who could do sweeping melodies which isnt Silvestri's forte>>>>>>>

I've just happened upon this comment, which surely wins the LUDICROUS COMMENT OF THE MONTH award Even before THE ABYSS, Silvestri had written scores for FANDANGO, BACK TO THE FUTURE, AMERICAN ANTHEM, OVERBOARD and MAC & ME, all of which contain some EPIC SWEEP!! After THE ABYSS, he continued to sweep people away!